Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Deku

"Your first session is today?" I ask to clarify.

"Yes. It's biweekly, and it's supposed to help me avoid violence or whatever. I don't know what to expect to be honest but I know the doctor has got to be some kind of trained professional, right? So hopefully he can help me figure things out."

Before Link finishes his sentence, I hug him, ruling it as the only proper response. His words fade and his lips come to a halt. He embraces my hug, gratitude and affection flowing from one body to the other.

"I'm here for you," is all I have to say. "Whatever path you choose, I'm here for you."

"I'll get better, Zelda. I'll prove it to you. Do you think I could come over tonight after my counseling session?"

"Tonight?" I ask surprised. "What if Father sees you like this? Perhaps you should hold off on coming over for a bit," I suggest, gently cupping his bruised cheek. "At least until your skin has healed a bit."

"People have been staring at me all morning. They're already talking, and sooner or later your dad's gonna find out anyways." Link pauses and rubs the back of his neck. "Also, I really miss you. Can't I just come over for a couple of hours?"

"I don't think it's a good idea," I say. A frown darkens his features and I add, "But I miss you too. Of course you can come over. I'll come up with a story that explains the bruises. Don't worry about my father."

"What about Malice? Is she still there?" he asks.

Hesitantly, I tell him the truth, "Yes, she doesn't have anywhere else to go at the moment."

"Does your dad know yet?"

I laugh involuntarily. "No, he doesn't know anything. I haven't even seen him yet."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"Probably not. I'm not planning on keeping Malice forever. It's just a night or two, no reason to alarm him, right? I'll try to hide her in the guestroom until we figure out a plan."

I can tell Link is aching to disapprove of my decisions, but he keeps quiet, clenching his jaw as he gives me a faint nod. "Just be careful," he says.

"I will." I grab my backpack and get up. "I have to get to class now."

Link's POV

"One more thing," Zelda says before she leaves. She pulls out my phone and hands it to me.

"Oh, thanks."

"I also went ahead and paid your tuition."

"What?"

Shit, wasn't I supposed to pay for tuition before classes started?

"If you don't pay the bill in time, the courses you signed up for get dropped and your seat will be given to someone on the waitlist. This could delay your graduation date and potentially jeopardize your student visa status. Since you didn't have a phone, I didn't have a way of reaching you, so I took the liberty to log into your account and pay for it myself."

"With your own money?" I gasp.

"I didn't exactly have access to your bank account, now did I? I hope you're not angry."

"Angry? You saved my ass," I say embarrassed. "I'll pay you back tonight."

She doesn't say anything. I know she doesn't want to take my money but I already told her that I won't let her pay for my tuition. It's just too much. She gives me a nod and a hug goodbye.

Zelda heads to her next class and I make my way to the department of counseling.

On the way there, I pass by the soccer field. My team is going through their warm-up routine right now, kicking the ball around like I used to. Hmm, I guess it's not really my team anymore.